Chinese President Xi Jinping held high-level talks with President of Botswana Duma Boko on the afternoon of October 13 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

During the meeting, the two heads of state announced the elevation of bilateral relations between China and Botswana to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

President Xi stated that China firmly supports Botswana in pursuing a development trajectory tailored to its national conditions. He emphasized that the two nations should upgrade their trade and economic cooperation framework while capitalizing on new opportunities arising from China`s comprehensive zero-tariff treatment extended to African countries with which it maintains diplomatic ties.

Xi further noted that China is eager to deepen cooperation with Botswana across emerging sectors—including the digital economy, modern agriculture, and animal husbandry—while supporting Botswana`s economic and social advancement through the implementation of "smart education" initiatives.

President Xi also put forward four key proposals to advance mineral resources cooperation between China and Botswana, as well as China and Africa:

First, adhere to the principle that Africa`s resources belong to Africa as the bedrock of cooperation. China stands ready to share its experience and assist African nations in formulating mineral resource development plans aligned with their specific domestic conditions.

Second, pursue cooperation based on equity, justice, and mutual benefit. China will encourage domestic enterprises to enhance their localized operational capacity, transfer environmentally sound technologies suited to African realities, and advance South-South cooperation across the minerals sector.

Third, anchor cooperation to high-quality development. China and Africa should move mineral collaboration further up the industrial value chain, explore cost-effective and sustainable innovative financing models, and underpin Africa’s modernization drive through high-standard cooperation.

Fourth, ensure a fair, transparent, and open cooperation environment. Africa`s natural resources should never become pawns in geopolitical rivalries. China welcomes sincere initiatives from all international stakeholders dedicated to supporting Africa’s development and stands ready to work with African partners to foster a more enabling environment for cross-border enterprise investment and operations.

President Duma Boko remarked that under President Xi Jinping`s steadfast leadership, China has registered extraordinary, globally acclaimed development feats—most notably in historic poverty alleviation, successfully lifting all of its impoverished population out of absolute poverty.

Boko emphasized that China has charted a successful development path uniquely suited to its national conditions, offering a profound model worthy of in-depth study and emulation.

Reaffirming Botswana`s diplomatic posture, Boko stated that Gaborone attaches utmost priority to its relations with Beijing and unswervingly adheres to the one-China principle. He affirmed that Botswana opposes separatist activities seeking "Taiwan independence" and rejects any external interference in China`s internal affairs.

Source: Xue, Foysal, Jinia | China Media Group (CMG)